Permanent connection of a TomTom car kit

[Erintech]

Hi,

I have the TomTom car kit for the iPaq 2210. Although not exactly difficult, the instructions are very sparse, and in particular there is no recommendation on whether to connect the red wire to a permanent live or an ignition switched live.

A quick check of the form didn't turn up anything definitive.

As I see it:

Permanent connection: GPS always has hot fix (led on holder always on)

Ignition switched: takes a short while to get a fix, but may have benefit of saving the battery and maybe prolong the life of the gps.

I can't believe battery drain is likely to be a significant issue.

There is also the question of surge/voltage drop/interference when the engine is started. I wonder whether one or other connection type might be less affected, although I suspect it makes no difference...

Ok I thought, let shoot a question off to TomTom.

My question:

"I have a TomTom car kit for iPaq 2210.

When wiring to the car, should the red wire connect to a permanent 12volt supply, or should it go to an ignition switched 12volt supply?


Many thanks, "



Their reply defies belief:

This question can best be answered by a certified automobile electrician recommended by your automobile manufacturer. For safety reasons TomTom is not allowed to offer you direct advice on this issue.

We hope to have answered your question to your satisfaction. :x

With best regards,

The TomTom Customer Support Team


Well thanks very much, TomTom!!!!!!


Does anyone on the forum with electronics/GPS know-how have any thoughts?

Many thanks.

[TonyP]

Most of the GPS mice seem to use about 130mA in operation, so they would drain a 40 Amp/hour car battery completely in about 10 days.

In practice, with help from the car alarm, they would probably drain the battery so that the car wouldnt start after a few days.

So it would better to wire it to the ignition unless you installed a switch and remember to turn it off if you leave the car a few days.

Normally if the GPS is working properly it will reacquire after a few hours switched off within a minute.

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